€200 million facility to employ 300 people in construction, and 170 when operational

The Taoiseach Mr. Brian Cowen TD  attended the construction commencement of Merck Sharp & Dohme’s new €200 million state-of-the-art vaccine facility in Carlow, which is supported by Government through IDA Ireland, and will create 170 new high quality jobs by 2011. The investment was announced in November 2007, following Merck Sharp & Dohme’s acquisition of the 65 acre IDA Carlow Business and Technology Park. 

The Taoiseach said, “I congratulate Merck Sharp & Dohme for the commitment and speed with which they are undertaking this investment.  This is an excellent day for Carlow and the South-East region. The benefits of this investment and the boost for the region’s economy will begin to flow immediately, initially through the 300 hundred jobs in the construction phase and long-term through the high quality employment of 170 people in the facility’s operation. In addition, the impact of the facility’s need for numerous specialist services and purchases of support activities, combined with the overall ripple effect, will be substantial. This investment represents a very significant consolidation of Ireland’s leadership position as a successful location for substantial biotechnology global investments.”

Recruitment for MSD Ireland (Biologics) Carlow will be advanced next year.  The company will be seeking a full range of skills and qualities in its Carlow workforce including experts in science, engineering, pharmacy, microbiology, technology, IT, management, quality control, production, administration, maintenance, safety and environment. 

MSD Ireland (Biologics) Carlow joins MSD Ireland (Human Health) Dublin and MSD Ireland (Manufacturing) Tipperary as Merck Sharp & Dohme’s third Irish facility.  The company’s Irish operations are involved in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of vaccines and medicines that address worldwide medical needs.  In 2006, Merck Sharp & Dohme announced an €85 million investment for a 70,000 sq ft facility at its Tipperary site. The Carlow facility’s employment of 170 people, combined with current employee numbers and ongoing expansion in Tipperary, will bring the company’s total Irish workforce to over 700 people within the next four years. 
 
Mr Willie Deese, Executive Vice President and President of Merck Manufacturing Division, said the company’s decision to invest in Carlow represented an exciting new chapter in Merck Sharp & Dohme’s Irish and global story.
 
Mr Deese said:  “Our Carlow facility represents the future for Merck Sharp & Dohme and for public health around the globe.  The vaccines and other products we will formulate in Carlow could ultimately be used by millions of people across the world which is a very exciting prospect. Despite challenging times globally, today illustrates that investment and enterprise is still very much alive and active.”

Construction in Carlow has now commenced with over 300 people expected to be employed during the 18-month construction phase. Outlining the background to the company’s decision to invest again in Ireland, Mr Deese commended the role played by Government, IDA Ireland and Carlow County Council. 

He said, “Ireland brings so many advantages for a company like ours – a pro-enterprise culture, a highly qualified and well-educated population, necessary support infrastructure and a record of success with projects of this scale and significance.  These qualities influence investment decisions and these qualities are what made Ireland our destination of choice for this investment.”

Mr Deese commended Ireland’s track record of supporting innovation and industry by ensuring that patients in Ireland continue to have access to new medicines without delay.  He said:  “Unlike many other European Governments, the Irish clearly see the link between supporting investment and ensuring new, innovative medicines are accessible.  The Irish Government should be commended on having the foresight to see the link between these two areas,” he said.